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BOOK OF WORDS 

A PAGEANT 
OF THE OLD 
NORTHWEST 

15p Cftomas 2j^ooD ^teioens! 





PRESENTED BY THE STATE NORMAL SCHOOL 

MILWAUKEE, JUNE 15 AND 16 

1911 



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COPYRIGHT 1911 BY 
THOMAS WOOD STEVENS 



(g)GI.D 24571 






PATRON SOCIETIES 

COLONIAL DAMES OF AMERICA 
In the State of Wisconsin. 



^ Mrs. Matthew H. Carpenter, Honorary President. 

* Mrs. Edward P. Vilas, President. 



a 



NATIONAL SOCIETY OF UNITED STATES 

DAUGHTERS OF 1812 

State of Wisconsin 

Mrs. Charles Catlin, President. 

THE SOCIETY OF MAYFLOWER DESCENDANTS 

In the State of Wisconsin 

Mrs. Ogden Hoffman Fethers, Governor. 

SOCIETY OF FOUNDERS AND PATRIOTS 

In Wisconsin 

Mrs. A. M. Joys, Honorary President. 

Mrs. Mary L. Atwood, President. 

BENJAMIN TALLMADGE CHAPTER, DAUGHTERS 

OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION 

Mrs. Thomas W. Spence, Regent. 

SOCIETY OF COLONIAL WARS IN WISCONSIN 
William Stark Smith, Governor. 

CHILDREN OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION 
Mrs. Guy Lindow, President. 

DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION 

Mrs. A. J. Eimermann, Regent. 

Mrs. E. Van Ostrand, State Regent. 

CHILDREN OF THE REPUBLIC, U. S. A. 
Mrs, John Joys, Directress. 

SONS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION 
K. K. Kennon, Governor. 

5 



MILWAUKEE OLD SETTLERS' CLUB 
John G. Gregory, President. 

UNIVERSITY CLUB 
Chas. M. Morris, President. 

DEUTSCHER CLUB 

A. J. Schmitz, President. 

DEUTSCHER KRIEGER VEREIN 
Max Hottelet, President. 

CENTRAL COMMITTEE OF GERMAN OLD SET- 
TLERS' CLUBS 
Dr. Julius Brues, President. 

TURNER SOCIETIES OF WISCONSIN 
Leopold Siegler, President. 

MILWAUKEE TURNVEREIN 
Wilhelm Krauthaefer, President. 

SOUTH SIDE TURNVEREIN 
Jacob Hunger, President. 

BAHN FREI TURNVEREIN 
Max Hoffman, President. 

JAHN TURNVEREIN 
Ludwig Mertens, President. 

LOYAL LEGION 
Col. J. A. Watrous, Commander. 

WOLCOTT POST, G. A. R. 

B. F. Park, Commander. 

SONS OF VETERANS 
E. T. Fairchild, Commander 



ORGANIZATIONS TAKING ACTIVE PART 
IN THE PAGEANT 

Normal School Alumni Association. 

Marquette University. 

German-English Academy. 

National German-American Teachers' Seminary 

Daughters of the American Revolution. 

The Loyal Legion, Wisconsin Commandery. 

The Drama Club of Milwaukee. 

The Walton Pyre School of Dramatic Art. 

The Kenwood Club. 

Company E, Wisconsin National Guards. 

Com.pany F, Wisconsin National Guards. 

The Normal School. 

EXECUTIVE STAFF 

Charles McKenny, President Milwaukee Normal School. 
Committee of the Faculty — 

C. E, Patzer, Chairman. 

I. N. Mitchell. 

Miss Ruth Norton. 

W. H. Cheever. 

Miss Lucy Dorret Hale. 

Miss Rachel Kelsey. 

Mrs. Sophie Harris. 

C. E. Pray. 

Charles Sears. 
Author and Director — Thomas Wood Stevens. 
Assistant Director — Dudley C. Watson. 
Musical Director — Hugo Bach. 
Director of Choruses — Miss Ida Bach. 
Treasurer — W. T. Darling. 
Publisher— W. T. Stephens. 

Property Managers — W. O. Clark and Sterling Leonard. 
Directors of Dancing — Mrs. Herman Ross and Miss Grace 

Bradshaw. 
In Charge of Seating Arrangements — M. A. Bussewitz. 
Costumes by Carnival Costume Company. 



NOTE. — This pageant attempts to present, in a short 
space of time, a few of the most stirring events in the history 
of the Old Northwest. As the number of scenes is necessar- 
ily limited, only such as may be considered historical turning 
points are chosen; and further than this, the choice is gov- 
erned by the availability of the material for dramatic represen- 
tation. It is comparatively easy to represent an event; it is 
difficult even to suggest the development of a commonwealth. 
Hence the swift culmination of a frontier struggle is preferred 
to the more important but slow and undramatic progress of 
civilization. 

In most cases the event itself is so presented as to make 
clear its culmination rather than the diverse causes, many of 
them remote, which brought it about. To do this, events 
which actually occurred during several successive days are 
sometimes shown as taking place in a single scene; and fre- 
quently conversations are transplanted from place to place; 
such liberties have their excuse in the compression which 
they bring about. 

Numerous authorities have been consulted and the effort 
has been to make the work as accurate as possible. 

Certain of the scenes are revised from the "Historical Pa- 
geant of Illinois" given at Northwestern University in Octo- 
ber, 1909; but the greater part of the work is new. 

T. W. S. 



DRAMATIS PERSONAE 

White Cloud Donald Robertson 

EPISODE I 

MARQUETTE UNIVERSITY 

Father Marquette Oliver O'Boyle 

Council Chief John McGalloway 

Great Sachem Thomas Manning 

Joliet Roy Jaekels 

An Old Chief Walter Reiser 

Messenger Oscar Steinnon 

EPISODE II 

NORMAL SCHOOL ALUMNI 

La Salle Henry Schnell 

Tonty Harold O. Berg 

Jolycoeur Henry D. Hill 

Father Hennepin William F. Simmons 

Father Membre O. G. Gilbert 

Chief Nicanope G. E. Tiefenthaler 

The Mohegan Hunter W. H. Hahn 

An Indian Girl Olive Stemper 

EPISODE III 

NORMAL SCHOOL 

Chief Pontiac W. H. Cheever 

Chief of the Illinois B. L. Dougherty 

Neyon, French Commandant. .. .Henry Rademacher 

An Old Indian Chief Homer Hemenway 

Calumet Bearer John Thiel 

9 



EPISODE IV 

DRAMA CLUB OF MILWAUKEE 

George Rogers Clark Edward Thatcher 

Rocheblave, French Commander. Charles S. Thompson 

Raycliffe, English Traveler Anson Eldred 

Provosts of Dance Charles Mercine 

J. E. Trelevan 

A Young Lady Miss Jean Stewart 

A Coureur Samuel Greeley 

Pere Gibault, French Priest Mr. Selsker Gunn 

EPISODE V 

DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION 

Cast from V>/^alton Pyre School of Dramatic Art 

Solomon Juneau Mr. Chas. A. A. McGee 

Josette Juneau Miss Alma Krasemann 

Ramsey Crooks Mr. Solomon Gluckstein 

Morgan L. Martin Mr. Chas. Ewert 

Judge Reaume Mr. Arthur Neuman 

James Duane Doty Mr. Heinze 

Pierre, a Voyageur Mr. Jackson Tovime 

A Squaw Miss Ethel Callen 

An Indian Boy Willie Andree 

An Old Habitant Mr. Frederick Fursman 

Voyageurs Mr. Delbert Swartout 

Mr. Guss Lass 



EPISODE VI 
THE KENWOOD CLUB 

Governor Cass Chas. E. Sammond 

Colonel Dodge Joseph H. Baker 

A Lieutenant Fred Schlatter 

Major Whistler Parker Moseley 

Walking Turtle Henry J. Hase 

An Indian Louis E. Ulrich 

Red Bird Donald E. Frank 

Wekau Frank Maas 

10 



EPISODE VII 

THE GERMAN-ENGLISH ACADEMY 

NATIONAL GERMAN-AMERICAN TEACHERS' 
SEMINARY 

1. Ansiedler Manfred Warschauer 

2. Ansiedler Julius Binder 

3. Ansiedler Franz Freudenberg 

Einwanderer Edward Mueller 

Handwerker William Pariser 

Schulmeister Richard Niemann 

Ein Bursche Walter Ludwig 

Junger Mensch Theodor Dihke 

Ein Wanderer Carl Tell 

Ansiedler Lucius Hipke 

Student Adolph Rigast 

Dr. Huebschmann Robert Wild 

Byron Kilboum Edwin Eschrich 

Hon. Wm. A. Barstow William Kunkel 



EPISODE VIII 

THE LOYAL LEGION 

Governor Randall Gov. Francis E. McGovern 

Judge Mc Arthur Judge Franz C. Eschweiler 

Colonel Starkweather Col. J. A. Watrous 

Mrs. Walker Mrs. E. B. Parsons 

Gen. Rufus King Gen. Charles King 



11 



SCENE ONE 

THE OLD NORTHWEST 

The scene takes place in a village of the Indians along the 
Illinois River. It is derived, as far as Marquette's part in it is 
concerned, from his own account, and certain of the speeches 
are actually quoted from him. It is supposed to have taken 
place in the late summer of 1673. This scene is presented in- 
stead of the previous coming of Nicolet in the north, referred 
to by the Old Chief, because Marquette's explorations are of 
far greater moment in the history of the territory as a whole. 

Characters : 

Pere Jaques Marquette. 

Louis Joliet. 

The Council Chief of the Pottawattomies. 

Great Sachem of the Illinois. 

An Old Chief. 

An Indian Messenger. 

Five Frenchmen, followers of Marquette and 

Joliet 
Indians. 



13 



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SCENE ONE 

[The overture is heard in the darkness, drawing 
nearer and closing with a sound of drums. A 
light falls on the platform of the medicine lodge, 
at the side of the stage, and the figure of White 
Cloud, the Prophet, is discovered. 

WHITE CLOUD 
Great Manitou, who livest in the sun, 
Whose voice we hear amid the battling clouds, 
Spirit who mad'st the world from the red clay. 
And in the world the children of thy might, 
I, the Foreteller, I the Prophet, call thee : 
For in my peoples' councils I am wise. 
And in the paleface councils am a child ; 
For I have fasted in the caves of tears, 
Lain ear-to-earth to hear thy whisper, worn 
Black warpaint of the prophet and the seer. 
And lo, the medicine and magic of thy name 
Are mine! Great Manitou, thy children fall, 
And the long, bitter war trail nears its end. 
Let me look back. The fields were rich. The smokes 
Rose up from fire on fire along the hills. 
And all our people, tribe on wand'ring tribe. 
Prospered, and there was hunting for us all. 
So say the old men. Now the day is gone 
And the chill stars who dog thy westward track 
Watch us with wintry eyes like wolves at night. 
Manitou of the Oak, I call on thee, 
For thou dost take the scalplocks of dead years. 
To wear them in thy crimson autumn hood, 
And living long, dost feed upon the hearts 

14 



Of the brave springs who sing beneath thy shade. 

Thou dost remember. Tree gods, hear my spell 

And breathe my medicine. Bring back the glow 

Of our forgotten campfires; bring our chiefs 

To their lost councils. Feed mine ancient hate 

With visions of our wars, back to the dawn 

When there had come no paleface to our lands 

And our unhindered rivers were not shamed 

With any burden of our enemies. 

Teach me, red Manitou of Oak, the tale. 

And let me hear, as when the old men make 

Among the tepees their unending vaunt, 

Thy winter-song. Oak, thou art tall. Thy head 

Nuzzles against the clouds; and thou art old. 

Much thou hast seen. Thou followest no trail. 

So thou rememberest. Oak, I bid thee speak, 

I bid thy shadows clear. I bid the morn 

To bum anew — the red morn of our tribe. 

[The light fades from the prophet as he ceases to 
speak, and the fires of the council encampment 
begin to glow. The Indians arouse themselves 
and make preparations for the Corn Dance; a 
long line of women bearing bundles of cut maize 
comes in ; the smoke ascends from the altar of the 
Com Manitou, and the chiefs begin the dance, 
leading the chant; then a second circle of the 
children is formed around the men; finally the 
women form their circle, outside of the children, 
and the dance continues, growing more animated. 
It ceases suddenly as the chant stops. 

THE CORN CHANT 

Kitchemanedo, 

Master of Life, 

Made man of the pipe-clay 

Alone ; 

Made woman of pipe-clay 

To be his sister; 

Made the Corn for her lover, 

Her lord. 

Last wooer, first lover. 

Her comfort and lord, 

So hath the Master of Life, 

Kitchemanedo, 

Sent us the Com. 

15 



r As the chant stops, the Great Sachem of the Ilh- 
nois enters, followed by his old men and warriors, 
and bearing the calumet. 
GREAT SACHEM 
Am I welcome? ^^^^^^^ ^^^^^ OF THE 

POTTAW ATOMIES 
We dance, all our people, for joy that you have come. 

GREAT SACHEM 
Your tribe is gathered for thanksgiving-for the Corn Dance. 
You enjoy a good harvest? 

COUNCIL CHIEF 
Our harvest has been rich. We have sent messengers to your 
great lodge with our tribute-the payment of the seed-corn. 

GREAT SACHEM 
The calumet goes round, and your people dance, and the har- 
vest is fun But in the southward country our brothers are at 
war The Iroquois and the Miamis band against us The 
peace-posts are blackened. We must help our brothers. 

COUNCIL CHIEF 
Our young men shall take bows and axes and cut down your 
enemies ai the winter cuts down the dried corn. 

GREAT SACHEM 
So you have sworn upon the sacred f^re and ^hejed earth ; and 
Son have exchanged with us the calumets. But now, fgainst 
r Smis! we have a new war. The pale-faces from beyond 
he mountains have given to the Miamis their ^eapo^^ of ^^^^ 
and thunder, and the Miamis drive our warriors before them as 
?he red deer run before the hunting of the wolves. 

AN OLD CHIEF 
These thunders are foolish thunders. Listen to my speaking. 
?was a young brave. I came to the great council m the north 
LTthere all our warriors trembled before one pale man. He 
;t cl rin"corr of the sky, and on his^lan^et -^^^^^^^^^^ 
ons red and yellow and black. I remember He came across 
^u Ir^^f waters- the birds played upon his garments, the 
hunlef la^nTed from his t^o'hands; then he went away^ 
He left no track. His thunders died upon the wmd. These 
also will go and leave no track. I have spoken. 

16 



COUNCIL CHIEF 
We have heard of these pale men. They are manitous. 

GREAT SACHEM 
This is light talk, this talk of manitous; but their medicine is 
strange and powerful. They smiie, and speak of the love they 
bear us, but their thunders slay us from the thickets. There 
are pale-faces of two kinds, good and evil; so m.uch we know. 
Your young men must be resolute. 

COUNCIL CHIEF 
Why should not we also seek the pale-faces and learn their 
witchcraft; it is folly of us to die and be no wiser. 

GREAT SACHEM 
Soon enough we shall learn it. 

[A messenger enters and stands before the Great 
Sachem. 
V/hat word do you bring us, young man with feet like the 
wind? 

THE MESSENGER (pointing southward) 
The Black-Gown. 

[A number of Indian children come running in 
after the messenger, all looking back over their 
shoulders. All faces turn in that direction. After 
a slight pause, Marquette enters, followed by 
Joliet and five Frenchmen bearing packs and ca- 
noes. 

MARQUETTE 
I am welcome? 

GREAT SACHEM 
I thank thee, Black-Gown, and thee, Frenchman, for the labor 
of your coming. Never shone the sun so tenderly as to-dajr; 
never rustled the ripe corn so pleasantly as now, since you are 
with us. Our river, which was so angry at the rocks which 
chafed it, flows calm and silent, since the canoes of the white 
men have passed. Behold, Black-Govyn, I give thee m.y little 
son, that thou mayst knov/ my heart. Thou art beloved of the 
Great Spirit. Ask him to cherish m.e and my people. 

MARQUETTE (to Joliet) 
Here, Louis, is my mission. 

JOLIET 
In all our travels we have seen no chief so gracious, no people 

17 



so well favored for the work of the Church. It may be, father, 
thou art right. 

GREAT SACHEM 
Black-Gown, one medicine I ask of thee. The pale-faces have 
given their thunder weapons to our enemies, the Miamis, Give 
us also weapons, that we may defend our lodges and our 
women. 

MARQUETTE 
If I gave you weapons, you would kill the Miamis, who are my 
children also. 

GREAT SACHEM 
We would defend our hunting grounds. 

MARQUETTE 
I bring you another word, my son — a word of peace. 

[The Great Sachem turns aside to consult with his 
old men. Marquette makes a sign to his follow- 
ers, two of whom go off; he then turns to Joliet. 
Louis, my friend, I have come to the end of my journey. Thou 
shalt leave me here. I have loved thee well, and while yet I 
live thy name shall not fail from my prayers. 

JOLIET 

While yet thou livest? What does that mean, father? 

MARQUETTE 

We have passed over many streams, and many portages. We 
have seen the Great River, and the Pictured Rocks, and the 
lake of the Illinois. No other Frenchman has seen them. Be- 
hold, how great a field for the Church, how wide a domain for 
the Cross. Louis, I have before me the task of my destiny, and 
I must not shrink. 

JOLIET 
Nor do I shrink, father. I will stay with thee. 

MARQUETTE 
Nay, my son. I have seen thine eyes wet when our carriers 
sang their songs of France. I have seen thee wistful, even to 
tears, when we have spoken of Quebec, the home thou didst 
leave to come with me. Thou shalt go on. I will remain. It 
is only for a little while, 

JOLIET 
It is true, I have longed for home. 

18 



MARQUETTE 
I have known it, Louis. 

GREAT SACHEM (coming forward again) 
Black-Gown, dost thou refuse the weapons to me and my 
people? 

MARQUETTE 
(going back to his carriers, who have brought in 
a cross of white birch) 
My children, I have for you no weapons. I desire that you 
shall live at peace with the Miamis, and the Iroquois, and all 
the forest people. 

GREAT SACHEM 
Then I and my tribes are to be slain, and thou wilt do nought 
to help us? 

MARQUETTE 
I will bring you my faith, as my brothers have taken it to the 
Miamis. 

[A threatening murmur rises among the Indians, 
and some of the young men move toward Mar- 
quette. 

GREAT SACHEM 
And will thy faith shield us from our foes? 

MARQUETTE 
Yea, truly it will, for it is the faith of peace, and love. Behold, 
here I set up this cross for a sign. 

GREAT SACHEM 

The rains will rot it down, and the snows will cover it. 

MARQUETTE 
Not so, for it shall be in your hearts. 

GREAT SACHEM 
Thy medicine, Black-Gown, means nothing to us. We wish to 
know thee and thy Manitou ; we were ready to be thy children, 
and thou dost offer us a sign of birch wood. 

MARQUETTE 
I bring you more than a sign, for I bring you truth. I will 
teach you of the life that dies not, and of the true God, and of 

19 



the Holy Church ; I will teach you of the creation, and the re- 
demption, and of the Blessed Virgin ; I will make plain to you 
the law of Christ, which is the law of love. Kneel down, all 
you who seek the truth. Here I set the Cross, and here, while 
I may, I will abide. 

[The Frenchmen kneel, then Indians, slov^ly, as 
light fades. At last only Marquette and the Great 
Sachem are left standing ; then the Indian kneels, 
and the light fades v^holly from the scene. 



20 



SCENE TWO 

THE OLD NORTHWEST 

Men o£ the parties of La Salle and Tonty Indians. 
The place is still the village on the Illinois, ten years hav- 
ing elapsed. The special significance of the episode lies in the 
formal claiming of the land in the name of the French King — 
a cerem.onial which took place at various points in the North- 
west. 

Characters : 

Henri de Tonty. 

Robert Cavelier de la Salle. 

Friar Hennepin. 

Friar Membre. 

A Mutineer, called Jolycoeur. 

Nicanope, an Indian Chief. 

An Indian Girl. 



21 



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SCENE TWO 



WHITE CLOUD 

Peaceful the Black Gown came. We welcomed him. 

He taught his faith ; we listened and we loved, 

For he was patient, brave and kind. He lives 

In drowsy annals of our winter nights. 

But those who followed in the Black Gown's trail 

Brought harsher magic and a hopeless war. 

Seeking the paths that we had never trod. 

They searched the blue horizons for some grim 

And desolate issue to forbidden seas; 

They spoke to us of mysteries, shoulder-wise. 

As they with tireless footsteps hastened on. 

So the four hunters in our mystic tale 

Pursue each year the bear who never dies, 

And stain the leaves of autumn with his blood 

Till all the oaks and maples flame with woe. 

And the still snows come down on them like sleep ; 

But in the spring the bear awakes, his wounds 

Healed, and the hunters take their bows and strike 

The chase that follows through the fruitless years. 

La Salle, and Tonty of the Iron Hand, 

Great Captains in this idle pale-face quest. 

Came hither long ago, and claimed the ground 

For some old king beyond the sunrise. These 

Were strong-heart men, these finders of the way 

Who hunted the great rivers to their ends — 

Stem foes, whom fear could never shake. Behold, 

Wan children of the sheltered lodges, these 

Who faced the mystery with dauntless eyes 

And trod our trails out with intrepid feet, 

The Captains of the white man's outer march. 

22 



The same village; Tonty and his party are dis- 
covered, the others sleeping, Tonty watching by 
Marquette's cross. 

TONTY 
How strange a service is this, that I must watch by a Chris- 
tian cross that was set here in the wilderness by our enemies. 
The wood may yield to us; the rivers may give up their se- 
crets; but the hatred of those behind us will not abate. My 
Captain, this is a great endeavor, and we have fought hard in 
it, but the battle is not won. Little men bark at your heels for 
a few beaver pelts, while you look forward to see an empire. 
So be it, La Salle. Your vision is mine. 

[Enter an Indian girl, Omawha's daughter. 

THE GIRL 



Iron Hand. 
Princess? 



TONTY 



THE GIRL 



Man with the iron hand, I have this to tell you. Turn back, for 
you and your chief are betrayed. 

TONTY 

My chief never turns back. 

THE GIRL 

You must all die if you go on. There has been council talk in 
the dark. 

TONTY 
Tell me of this council talk. 

THE GIRL 
The Miami, Monso, came last night. He spoke long to our old 
men. He brought presents from the Mascoutens and the 
Miamis. He said that the Sieur de la Salle would break our 
tribe in his hand, if our people let him pass. He said that you 
are all spies of the Iroquois. Turn back, Man-with-the-Hand- 
of-Iron, or our chiefs will slay you all, I have spoken. 

TONTY 
This is girl's talk. 

THE GIRL 
This is true-talk, Iron-Hcind. 

[She starts away from him. 

23 



TONTY 

Stop, Princess, and tell me why? — 

[She runs out, and is lost to sight. It is now dawn, 

and the village is waking up. Tonty turns to 

arouse his followers. 
Rouse yourself, Jolycoeur. The Sieur de la Salle will soon be 
here from the portage. 

JOLYCOEUR 

Who was speaking with you, Tonty? 

TONTY 
A young squaw. 

JOLYCOEUR 

So it is not lonely for you on the watch. The young women 
come in the dawn to keep you company. 

TONTY 

She came to me in a matter concerning you, Jolycoeur. 

JOLYCOEUR 

Concerning m.e? And what did the young woman want with 
me? 

TONTY 
She wanted to buy you, knowing you were good for nothing to 
me, to keep the dogs away from her children. 

JOLYCOEUR 
Tonty, I am not one to endure insult forever. 

TONTY 
No, Jolycoeur. You have threatened much. I have not slept. 
I have heard your complaints, and your treasons; heard them 
long enough. You have dealt too much with our foes. I say 
nothing to Monsieur de la Salle, but I warn you. That is all. 
[Enter an Indian messenger, the Mohegan hunter. 
What word, Mohegan? 

THE MOHEGAN 
Monsieur de la Salle is come, Iron Hand. 

TONTY 

Fall in line, men. 

[The Frenchmen of Tonty 's party are drawn up 
in a line. The Indians of the village gather, 

24 



grouped around Nicanope and the other chiefs, 
to see the new arrivals. 

Enter La Salle, followed by Hennepin and the 
men of his party. 

THE MEN OF TONTY'S PARTY 
(Cheering ironically) 
Welcome to the Sieur de la Salle ! 

[La Salle salutes them coldly, and goes over to 
Tonty, laying a hand on his shoulder. 

LA SALLE 
All has been well with you, Tonty? 

TONTY 
All has been well, my Captain. 

LA SALLE 

I thank God for that. 

TONTY 
I have information for you. Let me give it before you meet 
the council. 

[La Salle and Tonty walk aside, talking earnestly 
in a low tone. 

Father Hennepin approaches Father Membre, 
v/ho has been with Tonty's party. 

HENNEPIN 
Brother, I pray you, tell me ail the marvelous adventures you 
have endured since you came here, that I may set them down 
in my record. 

MEMBRE 
In sober truth. Brother, we have endured none. 

HENNEPIN 
I cannot believe it—that you have been all v/inter in this un- 
known wilderness, and have seen no strange sights, rejoiced 
in no new perils. 

MEMBRE 
Nothing strange or new. We have been hungry. We have 
maintained life in a village of savages who hate and distrust us. 
We have baptized four children and one old woman. Some 
of our comrades have left us, stealing our arms and our food 

25 



from us. We have seen the children of the Evil One at play 
around us. 

Hennepin begins to write. 
But no adventure — nothing strange or new. What do you 
write, Brother? 

HENNEPIN (reading) 
"Father Membre, a priest of unquestioned veracity, told me 
many curious adventures which befell the men of Tonty's 
command while in the wilderness of the Illinois; and in par- 
ticular of a dance of golden devils, up and down over the 
housetops of the savages, which he saw conjured by the evil 
powers of an Indian magician." 

MEMBRE 
Brother, this is most unworthy, this writing of follies and lies. 

HENNEPIN 
[Still writing and reading. 
"When my party came to their rescue, Tonty's command had 
been greatly reduced by deaths and desertions. We found 
them intrenched upon a great rock, and subsisting upon the 
leaves and bark of trees " 

MEMBRE 
Intrenched upon a great rock 



HENNEPIN 
Surely — the great rock at the turn of the river, two days pad- 
dling above. We marked it as we passed. 

MEMBRE 
And what is it, Brother, that you write? 

HENNEPIN 
The true history of my adventures in the great wilderness. 

MEMBRE 
And why do you make this relation? 

HENNEPIN 
Because, Brother, from my childhood I have loved more than 
anything the tales of travelers and seamen. When I was a boy 
I spent my days among the inns where sailors recount their 
voyages, listening, listening, listening. I, too, have endured 
hunger — for this. I have sickened at the smoke and the smells 
of the quays. But I have soared at the thought of the brave 
tales I heard there. You would not understand it. 

26 



MEMBRE 

But if you love tales of true deeds, why do you write all this 
which is not true? 

HENNEPIN 
Brother, you are most unjust. You refuse to tell me of the 
adventures I desire more than life to hear about. You tell 
me that you have hungered, that you have seen the play of 
devils around you, that you have maintained life against the 
savages. I set all this down in my own way, and you cavil be- 
cause you are not on a cliff I have chosen for you. The 
cliff exists. It is as true as the holy scriptures. You are not 
intrenched upon it, I admit ; but that is due to the folly of your 
captain — not to any fault of mine. I pray you, pardon me. I 
must continue my history. 

[The circle for the council is now formed, and 
Nicanope, the Illinois chief, rises to speak. 

NICANOPE 

My brothers, it is not alone that we may feast together that we 
meet here in our village. We would save you from the dan- 
gers you do not understand. You have said that you wish to 
go down our river, and even to the end of the Great River. 
You have given us presents, and we love you. So we tell you. 
This is not to be done. For the Great River of the Mississippi 
belongs to the evil manitous; in its waters are terrible ser- 
pents, and on its shores are tribes who let none pass, but take 
all such as travel that way, and devour them. And if by your 
great valor you escape the serpents and the shore-clans, you 
will at last be swept into a great waterfall, which plunges 
downward into a gulf too deep to be measured. Do not go, my 
brothers, but turn back. The Great Manitou, the Master of 
Life, forbids it. 

LA SALLE 
My Brother, only yesterday you gave your promise to Iron 
Hand that you would help me to go down the Great River. 
Have the serpents and the waterfall, and all this danger, come 
up in the night? 

NICANOPE 
Yesterday, my brother, we did not know. 

LA SALLE 

I thank you for the friendly warning which your affection bids 
you utter. But we were not asleep last night when Monso 
came to tell you that we were spies of the Iroquois. The pres- 

27 



ents he gave you, that you might believe his lies, are at this 
moment buried under your council lodge. If he told you the 
truth, why did he skulk away in the dark? Even now, while I 
am speaking, could we not put your chiefs to death, if we so 
willed? If you are our friends, our brothers, as you say, go 
after this Monso, and bring him back, that he may look me in 
the face. For I tell you, openly, that I will not turn back, now 
nor hereafter. 

[The chiefs are confused by his knowledge and 
gather around Nicanope. Jolycoeur steps for- 
ward from the group of Frenchmen, and addresses 
La Salle. 

JOLYCOEUR 

These are brave words. Monsieur de la Salle, but they are 
foolhardy as well. We believe vvhat the chiefs have told us 
of this river, and v/e can not find it in our hearts to go for- 
ward. 

LA SALLE 

You shall find it in your hearts to go where I bid you. There 
is no danger threatening you so imminent as my anger. 

JOLYCOEUR 

Monsieur de la Salle mistakes my meaning. He is a trader 
here, not a king. There are other traders in this wilderness. 
We are within our rights. 

LA SALLE 

So? You have been corrupted by my foes — by the nameless 
thieves who hide in these forests, and who trade outside the 
law? I command you in this wilderness by right of my com- 
mission, by edict of His Majesty. 

JOLYCOEUR 

This is no part of the king's domain. We are free here. We 
will not go on. 

LA SALLE 

Do you know that this is mutiny and treason? 

JOLYCOEUR 

I know we can not march forward to our certain death, mere- 
ly to please you. Monsieur. This is the wilderness of the Illi- 
nois, not the parade ground at Fort Frontenac. 

28 



LA SALLE 

You rebel against my authority. You must take your chance 
against me. As for the king's right, I shall prove you that. 

JOLYCOEUR 

If I must be your enemy— so be it. I am not alone. 

LA SALLE 

Are there no faithful men? 

[Tonty com.es up on one side, Hennepin on the 
other. 

TONTY 

You still have friends, my Captain. 

LA SALLE 
Here then is my answer. I claim this land for the king. I 
speak as Saint Lusson spoke at Sault Sainte Marie, and loyal 
m.en will hear me to the end. 

[He draws his sword and steps forward, repeat- 
ing solemnly the Proces Verbal de la Prise de 
Possession. 

In the name of the Most High, Mighty and Redoubted Mon- 
arch, Louis the Fourteenth, Most Christian King of France 
and Navarre, I take possession of this land of the Illinois, and 
of all countries, rivers, lakes and streams adjacent thereunto; 
both those which have been discovered, and those which shall 
be discovered hereafter, from the seas of the North and the 
West to the South Sea; declaring to the nations thereof that 
they are vassals of His Majesty, and bound to obey his laws; 
and I promise them on his part protection against the inva- 
sions of his enemies. I bind all his subjects in this dominion 
to his laws, and to the authority of those who govern in his 
name, on pain of incurring treason against His Most Christian 
Majesty. And I warn all others against seizure and infringe- 
ment, on pain of incurring his resentment and the efforts of 
his arms. Vive le Roi! 

[Hennepin and Tonty, who have knelt during 
this speech, rise at the end of it shouting, 

TONTY AND HENNEPIN 
Vive le Roi! 

[The men break away from Jolycoeur and swing 
over to La Salle, all save five. 

29 



Vive le Roi! 
Forward ! 



THE LOYAL MEN 



LA SALLE 



Jolycoeur and his mutineers persist for a mo- 
ment, gazing at La Salle; then their heads drop, 
and they return to their packs. The Indians 
watch the movement v/ithout any shov/ of feel- 
ing. The Frenchmen take up their packs and 
canoes and start down the trail. La Salle, Hen- 
nepin and Tonty fall in behind them. As they 
pass from sight, two figures stand clear of the 
Indian group: Nicanope, who watches them in 
wonder, still holding his calumet, and the girl, 
Omawha's daughter, who follows alone to the 
center of the stage, looking after Tonty. She 
stands for a moment, irresolute, then turns slow- 
ly and goes back to the lodge. The lights fade 
from the stage, and the Prophet again appears. 



30 



SCENE THREE 



THE OLD NORTHWEST 

Pontiac, failing in his war upon the eastern garrisons, 
came West in 1765 to enlist the tribes against the English. 
He still had hopes of French assistance, and was to the last 
angry and incredulous, refusing to believe that the French 
dominion was over. The episode marks a turning point in 
the history of the Old Northwest, since it is directly con- 
cerned with the cession of the land from France to England. 

Characters : 

Pontiac. 

An Illinois Chief. 

An Old Chief. 

Neyon, French Commandant. 

French Soldiers. 

Indians. 



The scene is suggested by Parkman in his "Conspiracy of 
Pontiac." 



31 




SCENE THREE 

WHITE CLOUD 

So cold this Captain was, La Salle, v/ho burned 

In secret with indomitable flame. 

Our people knew, for we could understand 

A heart which never showed how deep its wounds, 

How grave its causes — v/e, the red folk, knew. 

But there were little men of his ov/n clan 

Whose hate could never sleep. They tracked him down. 

And after him the Winters and the Springs 

Danced round the camp-fire of the shifting sun; 

And braves, just come of age to hunt and woo 

When Tonty of the Iron Hand was here. 

Grew old, and sage, and died at last of years 

Before another chieftain lived whom I, 

The Prophet, raise to honor with my spells: 

And when he came, he was an Ottawa, 

A man of mine ov/n race, who loved his land 

And dared to battle with the robbers twain, 

England and France, who bargained, field by field, 

Our ancient hunting grounds away. This chief 

Was Pontiac, the last of our high sachems. 

And even now I hear his drums resound, 

See his great war-belt swinging in the lodge. 

And answer, in my heart, his dauntless call. 

[The scene is still laid in the sam.e village; eighty- 
five years have elapsed since the last episode ; the 
Indians nov/ gather, unv/illingly enough, to hear 
the demands of Pontiac, who, after his defeats in 
the East, comes to rally the western tribes to 
resist the cession of the land to the English. The 
lights appear on the council as Pontiac enters. 
He exchanges the calumets v/ith ceremony. 

32 



PONTIAC 
My children, as I have spoken before, so now I speak. This' 
war is for the Hves of our people, and the land v/hich the Giver 
of Light made for our heritage. Listen to my speech, v/hich 
is true talk. The English say the French have given them the 
land. But this could never be, since we have never sold our 
land. My children, our father, the French King, sleeps, and 
the English have seized his forts and his houses. But when 
the French King v/akes — what then? 

AN ILLINOIS CHIEF 
We have heard all this, Pontiac. We own the land. We hate 
the English. But the English are very strong. What do you 
require of us? 

PONTIAC 
First, I give you these presents, that you may know my friend- 
ship. 

[Pontiac's people bring forv/ard some bales, and 

among other things, a large cask of brandy. He 

then produces a great war-belt, which he holds 

up before him as he speaks. 
I require of you now some svv^ift and true messengers, that I 
may send this belt to call together my people. Behold, in it 
are woven the totems of all my tribes and all my villages. Your 
messengers shall carry this, with my war call. 

[Four Indians step forth to act as messengers. 

Pontiac addresses himself to the four. 
Take now my great war-belt, and go down your river, and 
down the Mississippi; wherever there is smoke of a village, 
stop and carry my word. Say that I, Pontiac, will drive back 
the English from the North and the East, and let them hold 
back those who come from the South. Let the rivers be closed. 
Let no canoe of the English pass, but sink it with lead and 
with arrows. I have spoken. You, who carry my war-belt, be 
faithful. 

THE ILLINOIS CHIEF 

We have given you messengers, brother, but our warriors can 
not help you in the East and the North. We are a peaceful 
folk, and our harvests have been poor, and our strength wanes. 
We can not war against the English. 

PONTIAC 
Then I will bring upon you my Ottawas, and the Miamis, and 
the Iroquois — all those who have hated you. I will burn up 

33 



your people and your tepees, as the fire eats the dried grass of 
the prairies. 

AN OLD CHIEF 
Our father, the commander of the French, will soon be here. 
Let us speak in peace until he comes. 

PONTIAC 
My father, the French King, will help me when I am ready. I 
will not wait. I ask of you now, my warriors, that the war- 
song begin ; for if you fail me, you shall surely die. 

[One of Pontiac's men seats himself on the ground 
and begins beating a drum. His people throw off 
their blankets and prepare for the war-dance. The 
cask of brandy is broached, and the Illinois crowd 
around it, drinking. A murmur of the rising war- 
song is heard. Enter Neyon, French Comman- 
dant, with troops. Pontiac proffers him a belt of 
wampum. 
Father, with this belt I open your ears, that you may hear. I 
bring you this war-belt, that you may know I have not forgot- 
ten to hate the enemies of the French; that you may know I 
have not forgotten the black cloud which is over us all. I ask 
you, for the last time, that you will aid us against the English. 
Or if you will not do this, give us powder and lead, and we 
will raise the hatchet alone. For we know that the French 
King is old, and has slept, but is now awake again. And now 
we shall sweep the English from our lands. 

NEYON 
Pontiac, our hands are tied. Our father, the French King, 
has forbidden us to injure the English. With this paper he has 
forbidden us, and we dare not disobey. If you and your tribes 
are wise, you will cease this warfare and bury your hatchet for- 
ever, since our father, the King of the French, has given this 
land to the English. 

PONTIAC 

Your father, the French King, could not give our lands. He did 
not own our lands. 

NEYON 
With this paper our hands are tied. Untie this knot and we 
will aid you. 

PONTIAC 
You tell me the French King has yielded to the English — that 

34 



his scalp hangs in their lodge? Yet you hold in your hands my 
war-belt. 

NEYON 

I give you back your war-belt. Pontiac, our friendship is over. 

PONTIAC 

I, too, here drop from my hands the chain of our friendship. 
Take my defiance, Frenchmen. Against you, as against the 
English, my people will fight forever. This belt you have 
scorned ; but I have sent from me another, woven with the to- 
tems of seven and forty tribes. By that belt I defy you — I and 
all my warriors. 

[During the last speeches the Indians have been 
crowding around the brandy cask, behind Pontiac. 
At the last words, he draws himself up by the 
cask. Neyon gives a quick order to his men, and 
they file out. The Illinois chief, from the group 
around the barrel, lurches forward, clings to Pon- 
tiac for a moment, and then falls at his feet. There 
is a sound of drunken laughter. Pontiac stares 
for a moment at the figure on the ground before 
him, turns to the group and throws up his hand 
for attention. The Indians break into laughter 
and yells, and rush off in the opposite direction 
from that which Neyon has taken. Pontiac lays 
his hand on the cask; it is empty. He lifts it 
above his head and hurls it from him. 
The lights disappear, and in the gloom the Indians 
remove their encampment. 



35 



SCENE FOUR 



THE OLD NORTHWEST 



The post of Kaskaskia was taken by George Rogers Clark 
in 1778. The episode as presented follows the tradition of 
Denny's Memoirs, rather than the literal history of the event, 
in that the entrance of Clark upon the habitants' ball is en- 
acted. The essential part of the scene, historically considered, 
is to be found in Clark's interview with Pere Gibault, and this 
is played in strict accordance with the recorded facts. While 
Clark merely claimed the territory for Virginia, it was by vir- 
tue of his possession of it that it was finally ceded to the 
United States. 



Characters : 

George Rogers Clark. 

Captain Rocheblave. 

Pere Gibault. 

Mr. Raycliff. 

A Coureur de Bois. 

A Young Lady. 

An Indian. 

A Fiddler. 

First Provost of the Ball. 

Second Provost. 

Inhabitants, guests at the ball. 

French Soldiers. 

Clark's Soldiers. 



36 




SCENE FOUR 

WHITE CLOUD 

Let now the moons change swiftly, and the Springs 

Scatter the snows with their returning feet. 

And let the years depart ; I mourn them not. 

Great Pontiac died, and for his mighty life 

A vengeance fell upon the Illinois ; 

Keener than prairie winds it licked them up. 

And all their treasons passed, like scalps that hang 

Unprized amid the tepee's dust and smoke ; 

For Pontiac, though his war-belt fell apart. 

And in his death was nothing glorious. 

Loved well his land and folk, and hated well 

The spoilers of his nation. Peace to him. 

And fortunate hunting in the woods of Death. 

The Frenchmen passed ; they were our friends and brothers ; 

The English followed, and were foes to us; 

And last the Long Knives, folk we never knew 

And never loved, and never understood. 

These Long Knives, kingless, driving men, — behold 

How first they came, with Clark in the still night ; 

And how they laid new laws upon the land 

And reared their cities where the red deer browsed 

Before the Master of Life went back to sleep 

And our Great Spirit ceased to hear our prayers. 

[Kaskaskia, a grove in the village. Laughing 
groups of habitants, in festal array, come in with 
flowers to decorate the scene of the dance. They 
bring two small canopied booths, which are set 
up, one at each side of the stage, for refresh- 
ments and for the fiddler. At the back of the 
stage they erect a floral arch or doorway, 

37 



through which come the two Provosts of the 
Ball, who are to be the masters of ceremony. 
They instantly set to work ordering the guests, 
marshalling the girls along the left side of the 
stage, and the men along the right. 

THE PROVOSTS 

[Seating the guests in order. 
Pray you, monsieur, — pray you, mademoiselle. 

[Enter Commandant Rocheblave, with a guest, a 
young Englishman, dressed in the height of fash- 
ion. 

THE PROVOSTS 
Welcome to you. Monsieur le Commandant. We are honored 
supremely. 

ROCHEBLAVE 
Gentlemen, allow me to present my friend, Mr. Raycliff . 

A PROVOST 
We are enchanted. Monsieur Raycliff is an Englishman? 

MR. RAYCLIFF 
A traveller. 

ROCHEBLAVE 
We are all in the English service, Mr. Raycliff. At your ser- 
vice. 

PROVOST 
By your permission, Monsieur le Commandant, the dance may 
begin? 

[Rocheblave bows, and the Provosts confer aside. 
A coureur de bois enters, and goes imm.ediately 
to the Commandant. 

THE COUREUR 
Captain, I beg to report — 

ROCHEBLAVE 
Wait till the dance is begun. I have a guest — 

THE COUREUR 
It is in haste. The Long Knives are up the river in force. 
They are coming down upon us, I am told. 

MR. RAYCLIFF 
Long Knives? 

38 



ROCHEBLAVE 
The Americans, he means. I have heard this tale before. It is 
not possible. 

THE COUREUR 
I have reported, Monsieur le Commandant. They say that 
Clark commands them — Clark of Virginia. 

[Mr, RayclifT is visibly alarmed. Rocheblave com- 
forts him, and sends the Coureur off. 

ROCHEBLAVE 
Be off, you'll alarm the ladies. 

[Exit, the Coureur. 
These tales come every day. We no longer pay attention, Mr. 
Raycliff. 

[Enter the Fiddler, amid a general murmur of ap- 
proval. Rocheblave and his guests take seats, 
while the Provosts select the dancers, lining them 
up at the back, in couples, until seven couples 
have been chosen. The Provost at the right se- 
lects a young Frenchman; the Provost on the 
left selecting a young lady. The man com.es for- 
ward, but the woman stands rebelliously still. 

THE PROVOST 
Pray you, Mademoiselle. 

THE YOUNG LADY 
No, Monsieur le Provost, I will not dance. 

THE PROVOST 
Mademoiselle, the gavotte waits. Monsieur attends. 

THE YOUNG LADY 
It is not that I have been two years chosen queen of the king's 
balls. It is that I do not choose. 

THE PROVOST 
This is most unusual, mademoiselle. Most unusual. 

THE YOUNG LADY 
I do not choose to dance with the gentleman you have called. 
Besides, Monsieur le Commandant has a guest. Do the hon- 
ored provosts know he does not dance? 

THE PROVOST 

[Speechless with rage; 
Mademoiselle ! 

39 



THE YOUNG LADY 

I have not heard the Provosts inquire of the guest. I do not 

know he does not wish to dance. Why not ask him? I will 

wait. 

ROCHEBLAVE 
[Coming forward. 

Monsieur le Provost, I have a guest. May I beg for him the 

honor of a dance? 

[The Provosts bow low, and Rocheblave turns to 
the rejected partner. 

Monsieur, you place me perpetually in your debt. I thank you 

from the bottom of my heart for your kindness to my guest, 

Mr. Raycliff. Again I thank you. 

[The Provost leads Mr. Raycliff forward and pre- 
sents him; the young lady makes him a curtsey, 
and to the Provost another, ironically. The dance 
begins. The crowd has gathered, till the sides of 
the stage are crowded with habitant guests, sol- 
diers and Indians. At the back there is still an 
open space, through which the shadowy figures of 
Clark's men can be seen marching past. 
Enter, unnoticed, George Rogers Clark in the uni- 
form of a Virginia Colonel, except that his boots 
are missing, and he wears moccasins. When the 
figure of the dance permits, he saunters over and 
leans against the tree, right center. An Indian, 
who has been sitting on the ground leaning 
against the tree, spies him and darts out, standing 
for an instant before Clark and then running sud- 
denly to Rocheblave. 

THE INDIAN 
The Long Knives! 

THE COUREUR DE BOIS 
[Rushing in center and drawing up before Roche- 
blave. 
The Americans! We are surrounded. Captain. 

ROCHEBLAVE 

[Coming down to confront Clark. 
Silence. Who are you, sir? 

CLARK 
Colonel Clark, at your service. 

40 



[At the words, the crowd is seized with terror, and 
everything is in confusion. The women scream, 
the men shout, and in the distance the war whoop 
of the Indians is heard. 

ROCHEBLAVE 
By whose authority do you come here? 

CLARK 

By the authority of Patrick Henry, Governor of Virginia. You 
are surrounded, Captain. Your sword. 

ROCHEBLAVE 

Insolence ! Men, this gentleman is our prisoner. 

[As the French soldiers move forward, the Amer- 
icans rush in and support Clark, threatening the 
others with rifles and swords. 

CLARK 

[With biting irony: 
Gentlemen, I pray you, continue your entertainment. I speak 
for the Governor of Virginia. Pvlonsieur Rocheblave, I must 
again demand your sword. 

ROCHEBLAVE 

I will not surrender my garrison to your night prowlers. I 

will not 

CLARK 
Put this man under guard. Disarm him. You have yet to 
know the measure of my severity, sir. I warn you, I can 
show no pity. I'll know whether we are to be openly defied 
or not. Search the town, and bring me all the Britishers you 
find. Let all keep within their houses, on pain of death, till 
I order otherwise. 

ROCHEBLAVE 

I protest, sir, against this savage mode of warfare — 

CLARK 

I am quite able to care for my part of this business. Take 

him out. 

[The guests have been departing hastily during 
the last few speeches, the men conducting the 
ladies out. Clark watches them go, his brow 
lowering. At the last, the fiddler comes over to 
him, bobs humbly, and offers his greeting. 

41 



THE FIDDLER 

Monsieur the new Commandant, I desire that you shall not 
forget me, when you decree that there shall be a dance, for th« 
people of the post. 

CLARK 
I shall call upon you, Monsieur. 

[The Fiddler, still frightened, but puzzled by 
Clark's manner, loiters by the gateway. Enter, 
Pere Gibault. 

PERE GIBAULT 
[Frightened, but intent upon his duty. 
Is this the American commander? 

CLARK 
[Severely: 
I am Colonel Clark, at your service. 

PERE GIBAULT 
I am a man of peace. Monsieur le Commandant, and know 
nothing of your war. I speak for my people, who are loyal 
subjects. I am called Pere Gibault. 

CLARK 
I am glad to meet you, sir. 

PERE GIBAULT 
I have come to speak for my people. Everywhere they beg 
for their lives, and the village is mad with fear. Monsieur le 
Commandant, I must know what their fate is to be. Are 
they to be slaves of the Americans? 

CLARK 

You do not understand, Mr. Gibault. We have come to free 
these people, not to enslave them. They are to be citizens, 
not subjects. Mr. Gibault, ours is a war for liberty, for jus- 
tice. I must have order among your people. But they are 
free now, as they never were before. 

PERE GIBAULT 
And they are not to be driven from their homes by your 
"Long Knives"? 

CLARK 

Certainly not. 

42 



PERE GIBAULT 

And they are not even to lose their property? 

CLARK 
Not a penny. 

PERE GIBAULT 
Tell me, Monsieur Colonel Clark, are they to be allowed to 
come to worship as they were? 

CLARK 
We have nothing to do with churches, save to defend them 
from insult. By the laws of Virginia, your religion has as 
great privileges as any other. 

PERE GIBAULT 

Monsieur Clark, my son, I am overwhelmed at your kindness. 
I am already, in my heart, a citizen of Virginia. I must tell my 
people. 

[He starts to go, but returns. 
Though I know nothing of the temporal business, I can give 
them some advice, in the spiritual v/ay, that shall be con- 
ducive to your cause. God bless you. Monsieur Clark. 

[Exit Pere Gibault. The Fiddler comes back, hav- 
ing lingered. 

THE FIDDLER 
I see that it will be necessary for me to play to-night. Our 
people will want music, I hear them already singing. 

CLARK 

You shall fiddle to-night under the flag of Virginia, sir. Strike 

your strings. 

[As he speaks, the townspeople flock back, cheer- 
ing and exultant. They cross the stage and go 
on, taking Clark with them. 



43 



SCENE FIVE 



WISCONSIN 



The scene takes place on the site of Milwaukee; the date 
is between 1820 and 1832 — various episodes which took place 
between these dates being used. The intention is to bring for- 
ward a number of characters prominent in the early annals of 
Milwaukee, and to show something of pioneer life and law 
when the fur trade was just beginning to yield precedence to 
agriculture and lumbering in the activities of the territory. 

Characters : 

Solomon Juneau. 

Josette Juneau. 

Ramsey Crooks. 

Morgan L. Martin. 

Judge Reaume. 

James Duane Doty. 

Juneau's Clerk. 

Pierre, a Voyageur. 

A Squaw. 

An Indian Boy. 

First Fur Trader. 

Second Fur Trader. 

An Old Inhabitant. 

Francois Doneau, a Young Inhabitant. 

Clerk of the Court. 

Fur Traders, Voyageurs, Clerks. 



44 



SCENE FIVE 

[Before Solomon Juneau's trading post, on the 
site of Milwaukee. A log house at the back, ca- 
noes drawn up, benches in the yard, and various 
goods and furs piled on rustic counters. Two 
voyageurs are loitering, smoking and playing 
cards, at the right of the stage. An Indian boy 
sneaks in from the left and tries to steal a blan- 
ket from the packs. Josette comes out of the 
cabin and catches him, holding him firmly while 
she upbraids the voyageurs. 

JOSETTE 

Pierre ! Jean ! Why you let these red vagabonds carry off all 
our goods? Why you sit there and play and never stop this 
thieving? 

PIERRE 

We saw no thieving, Madame Juneau. 

JOSETTE . 

You see nothing! You sign the contract with my husband. 
You sign to watch his goods, to be faithful to him on trails and 
rivers and portages — you know what you contract. But here 
at the post you watch nothing. How we know you watch on 
trails — say that? 

PIERRE 
We regret very much, Madame Josette — 

[The Indian boy struggles to free himself. 

JOSETTE 
No, you young rogue, I'll not let you go. I caught you steal- 
ing; I hold you till Monsieur Juneau comes. 

45 



[A squaw comes in, calling the boy, softly. Jo- 
sette turns to her. 
So, you send your children to steal from our goods, eh? 

[The squaw makes gestures of denial. 
I take care of him, 

[The squaw catches the boy by one hand, and 
tries to pull him away. Josette laughs and lets 
go. The squaw leads him down stage, stops and 
shakes him soundly. 

THE SQUAW 

You let her catch ! 

[She boxes the boy's ears and takes him off. 

PIERRE 

Madame, we pray you, do not charge to us this blanket, which 
the boy did not steal. 

JOSETTE 
Why should I charge to you the blanket? 

PIERRE 
It is the rule of the American Fur Company. The old com- 
pany — they never charge; the American Company — they 
charge us for everything. This is hard for us poor voyageurs. 

JOSETTE 
I know the rule. We are to charge you when you risk losses. 
No, I will not do that. My father, he bought for the old Com- 
pany. My husband, he buys for the new. It shall be the same. 

[Enter Solomon Juneau and Morgan L. Martin. 

MARTIN 
I tell you, Mr. Juneau, this is the best townsite between Chi- 
cago and Green Bay. You may as well have it platted, and 
make ready to be mayor of a town. 

JUNEAU 
Josette, here is Mr. Martin. 

JOSETTE 

You are most welcome, Mr. Martin. 

[She curtsies, and goes into the house, returning 
in a moment with glasses on a tray. Juneau and 

46 



Martin seat themselves on a bench, and spread 
out a map between them. 

MARTIN 

[Pointing from the map. 

There, you see, is the river; here the bluff; down yonder the 
Indian village. 

JUNEAU 
And just here, you see, Monsieur Martin, I would lay out a 
public square, so. 

[Two fur traders come in, followed by voyageurs 
and clerks, who throw down their packs and 
stand aside. The traders are greeted by Juneau, 
who calls a clerk to wait on them. The clerk 
brings them a cask of wine, and takes in ex- 
change a pack of beaver skins. The traders call 
in their clerks and seat themselves by the cask. 

VOYAGEUR'S SONG. 

Each returning springtime 

Brings so much that's new, 
All the fickle lovers 

Changing sweethearts, too. 
The good wine soothes and gives me rest 
While love inspires and fills my breast. 
All the fickle lovers 

Changing sweethearts still; 
I'll keep mine forever. 

Those may change who will. . . . 

(Translation by Mrs. Mary A. Krum, of Madison.) 

FIRST TRADER 

These trails grow poorer each year. Indians catch less, and 
ask more for their pelts. This year among the Mascoutens I 
got nothing. 

SECOND TRADER 
I bought twenty packs among the Mascoutens. 

FIRST TRADER 
How could that be? They are not on your trail. 

SECOND TRADER 
They are on yours. 

47 



FIRST TRADER 

They are on mine. I had pledged the Mascoutens from last 
season. They were in my debt for a dozen rifles. 

SECOND TRADER 

Fill your glass. The season is over. Vv^e are back from the 
trails. It is true the Mascoutens were in your debt. So they 
told me. It vv^as on your credit I bought their pelts. 

FIRST TRADER 

[Starting up. 
Mon Dieu! You have robbed me of twenty packs. 

SECOND TRADER 
Sit down, my friend. It is over, and next season you m.ay have 
the fortune to rob me. It is all fair in the woods. Besides, 
I lost the twenty packs in a rapid, by the overturning of a 
canoe. 

FIRST TRADER 
[Making mental calculations of his loss. 
Twenty packs! 

[Enter, Ramsay Crooks and James Doty. They 
go over to where Juneau and Martin sit, and 
stand behind them for a mom.ent, unnoticed, 
looking over the map. The two fur traders rise 
and bow ceremoniously to Crooks, who does not 
look at them. After watching Martin and Ju- 
neau for a moment. Crooks suddenly plants his 
boot in the middle of the map. Juneau leaps 
up, his hand on his knife. 

CROOKS 

Solomon, my friend. 

JUNEAU 
Eh, it's you. Monsieur Crooks. 

CROOKS 
Oui, oui, oui. It's I. Juneau, what is all this platting and 
scheming? Laying out a town, are you? That's all damned 
nonsense, my friend. It's just such work that's killing the 
fur trade. 

JUNEAU 
You will not see what you do not like. Monsieur Crooks. 
When my father-in-law, Monsieur Vieau, came here first, he 
camped one whole season and he saw only two v/hite men. 

48 



This year, I see a hundred. The city comes after the hun- 
dred. You can not change that, Monsieur. 

CROOKS 

I know what you're thinking, Juneau. You Frenchmen are 
never happy unless you have a big settlement, and dances and 
singing in the winter. But mark me. This territory is a land 
of furs, and God meant it for the fur trade. It is best that it 
be bare and lonely, for then the trade is good. You build 
towns in it, and the trade is gone. Then where are you. 
Monsieur Juneau? 

MARTIN 

Mr. Crooks, if God meant this territory for the fur trade, why 
did he make its prairies so rich, and its woods so tall and 
straight along the rivers? There will come farms, and there 
will come a day when the rafts of lumber will float down the 
streams. Then there must be towns. 

CROOKS 

You know what I mean, sir. I have seen enough of your plats 
and schemes. You're a lawyer, sir — strangling the free coun- 
try with legal tangles, like this. 

[A clerk comes over to Juneau. 

THE CLERK 
Judge Reaume is here, sir, to hold court to-day. 

CROOKS 

What did I say. More of this infernal legal business, sir. 

JUNEAU 
Bring out a table for his honor. 

[The clerk goes for the table. Judge Reaume 
enters, v^^ith a train of clerks and servants. He 
greets every one ostentatiously, and immediately 
takes his seat, intent on getting the day's work 
over as soon as possible. 

CROOKS 

The country, I tell you, is simply governed to death. 

JUDGE REAUME 
Gentlemen, this court is now in session. What is the first 
case. 

49 



AN OLD HABITANT 
I complain against Francois Doneau, your Excellency. He 
has taken my daughter and married her. 

JUDGE REAUME 
Is this your complaint? 

THE OLD HABITANT 
Yes, Excellency. He has married her without my consent. 

FRANCOIS DONEAU 
I had her mother's consent, your Excellency. 

CLERK OF THE COURT 
[Writing down the record. 
. . . Had her mother's consent. 

JUDGE 
How did you get that? 

FRANCOIS 

She liked me from the first. There was no ground for ob- 
jection to me. I should have had her father's consent as well, 
but that I played a game of sledge with him. 

CLERK 

. . . Game of sledge with him. 

FRANCOIS 
I won seven pelts and a pair of fox traps, Excellency. 

CLERK 
. . . Pair of fox traps. 

JUDGE 

And then you asked for his daughter? 

FRANCOIS 
Yes, your Excellency. 

JUDGE 
I foresee that you also have a complaint to lodge. What is it, 
young man? 

FRANCOIS 
When I asked for his consent, he threw the beavers at me, and 
he lashed me on the head with the fox traps, so that I was 
blind with anger, and my head was greatly cut by the traps. 

50 



For which, as I understand it, being an assault under the law, 
I hold he should be punished. 

CLERK ' 

. . . He should be punished. 

JUDGE 
And what did his daughter do then? 

FRANCOIS 

She came to my camp to anoint my wounds with fresh bear's 
grease, and her mother with her. And having her mother's 
consent, and Pere Dominic being near, I married her. 

CLERK 
. . . I married her. 

THE OLD HABITANT 
Without her father's consent, and against his will, your Excel- 
lency. 

CLERK 
. . . Against his will. 

JUDGE 
How long ago was this? 

FRANCOIS 
Two years ago come Michaelmas. 

CLERK 

. . . Come Michaelmas. 

JUDGE 
Have you any witnesses? 

THE OLD HABITANT 
I would have my wife, but she is caring for my daughter's 
baby, your Excellency. 

JUDGE 
And what could she prove if she were here? 

FRANCOIS 
She could testify to his breaking my head with the fox traps. 

THE OLD HABITANT 

She could testify to this man having married my daughter 
without my consent, your Excellency. 

51 



JUDGE 
I've heard all that. You are both wrong. You bring me one 
load of hay. You bring me one load of wood. The case is 
settled. 

[The Judge dismisses court, and settles down at 
the bench where the two traders have the cask 
of wine. 

CROOKS 

So that's your idea of law, is it? You want this country cut 
up into plots to fatten the justices and the lawyers. I tell you 
frankly, sir, that civilization in this territory is a fraud. And 
it is plain that the law, in this territory, is rubbish. 

MARTIN 
You are speaking in your own interest, Mr. Crooks, 

CROOKS 

In whose interest did your judge decide that case? 

JUDGE. 
I regret to observe, sir, that you are not showing a proper re- 
spect for the majesty of the law. 

CROOKS 

Majesty of fiddlesticks! On what law are you acting, sir? 
What code is your authority? 

JUDGE 
I warn you, you are placing yourself in peril of contempt. 

CROOKS 

I am taking my own chance as to that. I find this territory 
filled with useless matters, and I take them into my own hands 
long enough to inquire about them. Will you answer me, Mr. 
Reaume — who appointed you a justice? 

JUDGE 
I will answer you, sir. I was a justice before the forts were 
given up. Then when you Americans came in, I was con- 
tinued in my office, by commission from the Governor of In- 
diana, sir. 

CROOKS 
Just as I thought, gentlemen. What authority has the Gov- 
ernor of Indiana in this wilderness. Let me see your commis- 
sion, sir. 

52 



JUDGE 
I haven't it by me, sir. My position is recognized here, and I 
have no need for such a document. 

JUNEAU 
Gentlemen, let us have no hard words. We know Judge 
Reaume. It is well that there be someone to administer the 
law. Now that so many people are coming into the territory, 
and there are to be towns built, we need him more than we 
ever did before. 

CROOKS 
Here is the height of your folly, Juneau. This town scheme 
will be your ruin, and all the lawyers will crowd about to lick 
up your fortune. 

MARTIN 
For my part, gentlemen, I am in favor of getting at the root 
of this matter. For the good of such permanent settlers as 
may come into the territory, I hold we should know in just 
what manner we are governed, and by whom is justice rightly 
administered among us. 

CROOKS 

You hold we should know, sir. So do I. I represent some 
property here, in the name of the American Fur Company. 
How are we governed. Judge? I know who holds the law 
over us, such as it is; who threatens us with contempt; who 
settles the disputes between our boatmen. But for govern- 
ment, under God and the Company — what have we? 

JUDGE 
By heaven, sir, your speech is anarchy and treason. 

JUNEAU 
Gentlemen, gentlemen, let us have peace. 

CROOKS 

I am for peace, Juneau, but I still wait to be answered, and 
the interests of the Company are attacked in all this talk. For 
I tell you, openly, that I believe the Company to be suprerne 
in this territory, and I demand to know on what ground this 
is questioned. 

JAMES DOTY 
I can tell you that, Mr. Crooks. You ask for the fundamental 
law of the land. Here it is, though it may not be to the letter 
the law which Judge Reaume sets forth. 

53 



CROOKS 

What law is this you have? 

DOTY 

It's old law now, called the Ordinance of '87. It is a full and 
a just law; it appoints governors and provides for the appoint- 
ment of judges. It sets forth the common law to be fol- 
lowed, and the rights of all men under it. It provides for the 
settlement of the land, and looks forward to the building of 
cities. It provides that no person shall ever be molested on 
account of his mode of worship; that religion, morality and 
knowledge, being necessary to good government and the hap- 
piness of mankind, schools and the means of education shall 
forever be encouraged; that the utmost good faith shall be 
observed toward the Indians; and that there shall be, in the 
said territory, neither slavery nor involuntary servitude. . . . 
All this, Mr. Crooks, and it never once mentions the American 
Fur Company. 

JUDGE 

Young man, may I see that document for a moment — merely 
to refresh my memory, sir. 

CROOKS 

Gentlemen, I seem to have been mistaken. Come down to my 
camp, and I will make you a proper and satisfying apology. 
After you. Judge. 

[They all troop off, leaving Solomon Juneau 
alone. He goes and picks up the map, smoothing 
it out carefully. 

JUNEAU 

Josette, come here. I wish to show you my city. I would 
have you see the steeples of it, and the square, and the many 
good people, all going about their business. I would have you 
see the sails in our harbor, and the towers along our hills. 
No, Josette, I am not dreaming. We shall see it — you and I — 
our city. 

[The lights fade from the scene. 



54 



SCENE SIX. 



WISCONSIN 



Soldiers and Indians. 
The uprising of Red Bird took place in 1826. The scene 
as enacted presents conferences and events actually taking 
place at different times and places, but the sequence of these 
events is historical. The final scene took place near Portage, 
Wisconsin. 

Characters : 

Governor Cass. 

Henry Dodge. 

Major Whistler. 

Walking Turtle. 

Red Bird. 

A Scout. 

A Lieutenant. 

A Sentry. 

An Indian Messenger. 

Wekau. 



55 



SCENE SIX 

WHITE CLOUD 

The bird whose clamorous wings in thunder beat, 
Whose eyes flash lightnings, year on starving year. 
Has taken flight into the quiet south; 
And yearly have the corn lands laughed in green, 
And yearly have my people's wanderings 
That were so wide on forest lands and clear 
Grown narrower. We live by fruitless trade 
With foes who press us close. We touch the pen 
To luckless treaties, with unwilling hands. 
The white men seized our mines, where we had dug 
Metal for hunting through a hundred years ; 
They seized our trails ; we gave our beaver pelts 
For their dark medicines of life and death; 
They seized our soil, and with unresting plows 
Made our broad prairies bum with yellow grain; 
So they grow rich, while we slink in and out, 
Poor ghosts amid the frozen stalks of corn 
That wail beneath the bleak wind's cruel feet. 
Not all ! For Red Bird held his people's law, 
The law of double vengeance for the slain. 
Behold, how in the white tents and the towns 
He cast a spell of fear; how swiftly rose 
The pale-face warriors on his smoking trail, 
And how at last his death song saved his tribe. 

[Governor Cass and Colonel Dodge are discovered. 

A Scout is reporting to them the signs of trouble 

among the Indians. 

DODGE 

This is all you have to report, then? Bands seen moving along 

56 



the Fox? Gathering above Red Bird's town, eh? Heard of a 
house burned down along the Green Bay Trail, eh? 

THE SCOUT 

That's about all. Colonel. Looks to me like they're coming 
down on us in force. 

DODGE 
Mere opinion, sir. 

THE SCOUT 
More than that, Colonel. They know the troops have marched 
out of Fort Crawford, and they think they were retreating. 

DODGE 

Unwise move, — to evacuate the Fort. 

CASS 
Unwise observation — to criticise one's superiors. 

DODGE 

No offense. The Indians know we've left Fort Crawford ; but 
they know as well that the men are all at Fort Snelling. Our 
force is the same as ever. 

THE SCOUT 
They have spread a report that two Winnebagoes held in the 
Fort have been killed. That's where the trouble comes from. 
I know Red Bird. They mean to go on the war path. 

CASS 
They will do nothing of the kind, 

THE SCOUT 
Have it your own way. Governor. I've made my report. 
[The Scout salutes and goes off. 

CASS 

Two years ago I made treaties with all the tribes in this terri- 
tory. They fixed their boundaries and swore peace with us. 
They complained of the price, and the supplies, and the whis- 
key, but they swore the peace. This is a critical time for the 
territory. I mean they shall keep their treaties. 

DODGE 

Yet all the reports are warlike. Red Bird has taken scalps. 
Last night a man reported to me — a man who saw two keel- 

57 



boats come in at Prairie du Chien riddled with bullets — three 
dead men in their crews. 

CASS 
Still, they shall keep their treaties. 

DODGE 
We are on the defensive, Governor. We have not the forces — 

CASS 
We must get the forces. 

DODGE 

We have sent word, written reports, urged our need. They 
say we have cried "Wolf!" too often. 

CASS 
Colonel Dodge, I will get the men. Hold this camp until 
Major Whistler comes. Report to him. My compliments. 
The Winnebagoes will be here for conference. Let him be 
firm with them. I am going for troops. 

DODGE 

Where will you find them ? 

CASS 
I will send a troop from Prairie du Chien, Another from Ga- 
lena. And a force up the river from Saint Louis. 

DODGE 

You are setting out to go a thousand miles through hostile 
country. 

CASS 
I shall waste no time. My compliments to Major Whistler. 
Good bye, sir. 

DODGE 
Good bye, Governor. 

[Cass turns as he is about to go off. 

CASS 
One point of advice, Colonel. Get Red Bird, and the fighting 
will be over. 

[Exit Governor Cass. 

DODGE 

[To a Lieutenant. 

58 



Have my horse saddled, Lieutenant. When Major Whistler 
comes, I'll ride down to the lead mines and raise a troop. 

THE LIEUTENANT. 
Major Whistler is already in sight, sir. 

DODGE 
Very good. That must mean the Winnebagoes are coming 
here for a council. 

[Enter Major Whistler with his force of soldiers 
and Stockbridge Indians. 
Glad to see you, Major. Is the time for the council set? 

WHISTLER 
The Winnebagoes are to meet me here. 

DODGE 
Our reports have all been threatening. Governor Cass has 
started for Saint Louis to bring more troops. He advises us 
to hold firmly, and to capture Red Bird if possible. 

WHISTLER 
That is precisely my plan for the campaign, sir. 
[Enter a Sentry. 

THE SENTRY 
The chiefs are crossing the river, sir. 

DODGE 

I leave you to your council, sir. I will raise what force I can 
among the miners. That at least will help to calm the panic in 
the settlements. Good luck to your talk. Major Whistler. 

[Dodge mounts and rides off. 

[The Chiefs file in, seat themselves, and begin to 
smoke. 

• WALKING TURTLE 
Our father, the chief of the white men, has called us. We are 
his children. We are his hungry and homeless children. We 
have come. What is it that you wish to say to us. Our ears 
are open. 

WHISTLER 
I desire only to remind you of your treaties. I would recall to 
you the words to which you have touched the pen, the words 
which have been given to the great white father at Washing- 
ton. You have sworn to leave the eastward lands, and to hunt 
in the north. Yet I find you eastward. You have sworn friend- 
s' 



ship with us, yet I find that the hands of Red Bird are dark 
with blood. We too have sworn friendship. So I have not 
sent my soldiers against you, but have called you here, that 
we may smoke in peace, and speak of our treaties. 

WALKING TURTLE 
It is true that we have hunted eastward, but we have been 
hungry. It is true that Red Bird has taken scalps. It was 
in revenge, according to the law of our tribe. Your soldiers 
are few. The price was small. We are weary of this treaty. 
What would you have us do? 

WHISTLER 
It is true that my soldiers are few, but I have thousands on 
the march hither. It is not true that the price was small. It 
is not true that Red Bird killed because of the law. Hear 
then what I have to tell you. You shall abide by your 
treaties, or I will break down your tribe forever. You shall 
hunt in your own hunting grounds. And lastly, you shall send 
to me Red Bird and Wekau, the killers of white men. Both 
of them you shall send me, and they shall be tried according 
to the white man's law. This is justice, this is the word of 
the treaty. If you do not so, your tribe must perish. 

WALKING TURTLE 
I have heard your words, father. They are harsh words, and 
our young men love them not. But we have felt your anger. 
We know the winter of the war-trail, and how dark it is for 
the women and the children. We know our treaties. Here 
our fathers hunted, and the land was theirs. We have given 
it up. We pass onward. But for Red Bird and Wekau, they 
are our brothers. We can not give them up to you. If they 
will sing their own death songs, then there shall be peace. If 
they will not, we must defend our brothers. I, Cari-mi-nie, 
war chief of the Winnebagoes, have spoken. I pass onward, 
I and my people. 

WHISTLER 

I shall wait here for Red Bird. 

[The council breaks up, and the chiefs file out, 
small presents of tobacco having been distributed 
among them. Whistler watches the chiefs until 
they have been lost to sight. When they are 
gone, he swings about and gives sharp orders. 

Double the sentries. Lieutenant, take four men and watch 

the ford. Stand ready to fall back at once. 

60 



LIEUTENANT 
Are we to look for firing, sir? 

WHISTLER 

I can't say. Be ready. I have given them our ultimatum. 

If Red Rird refuses to give himself up, they will attack. 

[The Lieutenant and four men go off. There is 
a moment of silence, and then scalp yells are 
heard from the direction taken by the chiefs. 
The men in the camp spring to attention. 

Scalp yells — taken or yielded — God knows. 

AN INDIAN 
[Coming in and standing before Whistler. 
Do not strike. Red Bird and Wekau — they will come in. 

[The Indian goes out, the sentry falling in beside 
him. 

ANOTHER SENTRY 
They're coming back, with a white flag, sir. 

LIEUTENANT 
It is Red Bird, singing his own death song. 

[Enter Walking Turtle and other of the chiefs, 
carrying a white flag. Red Bird and Wekau 
walk between them. Red Bird is in full chief's 
dress. 

WALKING TURTLE 
They are here. Like braves they have come in. They give 
themselves up, that our nation may not feel your anger. Like 
braves they have come in. Do not put them in irons. 

[Red Bird seats himself, lights his pipe at the 
camp fire, smokes a moment, and then rises 
gravely. 

RED BIRD 

I am ready. I do not wish to be put in irons. I do not wish 

to be bound. Let me be free. I have given away my life. 

It is gone — like that. 

[He picks up a pinch of dust, and lets it blow 
away from between his fingers. 

It is gone — like that. I would not take it back. 

[He put his hands behind him and goes over to 
Major Whistler. At a sign from Whistler, sol- 
diers fall in before and behind Red Bird and 
Wekau. The chiefs march out, and the lights 
disappear. 

61 



SCENE SEVEN. 



WISCONSIN 



The scene is supposed to take place during the early sum- 
mer of 1848. It marks the admission of the State of Wiscon- 
sin, through the final ratification of the Constitution, and 
treats also of the coming of the German settlers who were 
refugees from the revolution of that year, and who have been 
so important a factor in the growth and development of Wis- 
consin. The German words of the prose scene, and certain of 
the verses, are by Mr. G. J. Lenz, of the German English 
Academy, Milwaukee. 

Characters : 

Dr. Huebschmann. 
Byron Kilbourn. 
William A. Barstow. 
A Student. 

1 Ansiedler. 

2 Ansiedler. 

3 Ansiedler 
Einwanderer 
Ein Handwerker 
Der Schulmeister 
Ein Bursche 

Der Junge Meusch 

German Settlers and Immigrants. 

Crowd at the meeting, marchers with torches, etc. 



62 











SCENE SEVEN 

WHITE CLOUD 

Manitou of the oak, thy whispering leaves 

Are not so many as the marching feet 

Thou makest sound upon mine ears. I hear 

The last great war-dance of my people; hear 

The voice of Black Hawk chanting loud the war-song. 

But we were poor, and we had felt the pang 

Of hungry snow-times. We were filled with sleep 

While Black Hawk and his band fought out alone 

Our last dark battle. As thy whispering leaves, 

Oak, season after season, came the march 

Of the pale onward nations : blue-eyed men 

With yellow hair, came singing through the forests; 

With a strange speech they spoke, and toiling long 

Cleared corn lands from the wood, and reared new towns 

Where we had only paused beside a portage. 

Each summer found their far flung houses deeper 

Within our hunting grounds. Each year Mondamin, 

God of the corn-gift, gave the strangers comfort. 

Here now, behold the white man's council; see 

The gifts the new tribes bring ere they are one 

With the old tribes, to weave the belts of state ; 

And hear their war-drums thundering. They go forth 

To seal their riven blood-bonds. They too hold 

Only by battle what they build in peace. 

[A grove in Milwaukee; a speaker's stand deco- 
rated with flags at the back on one side. The oc- 
casion is a political meeting in the spring of 1848. 
A group of German pioneers came in, waiting 
for friends from abroad to come up from the 
harbor. Another group, laden with immigrant 

63 



luggage, appears from the other side. There is 
a general clamor of joy, and the two parties greet 
each other, all speaking in German. Dr. Hueb- 
schmann welcomes a group at the right of the 
stage, across from the speaker's platform. 
Snatches of song are heard. A young student 
from the group of new arrivals discusses their 
coming with Dr. Huebschmann. 

1. ANSIEDLER 

Hast du schon gehoert, das Schiff ist im Hafen. 

2. ANSIEDLER 

Wir haben's einfahren sehen ; ob wohl mein Bruder mitgekom- 
men ist? 

[Enter, a group of newly arrived immigrants. 

EIN DRITTER 
So gib doch Acht mit deinem Koffer, du brichst mir ja das 
Kreuz. 

EINWANDERER 

Dann hilf mir tragen, ich bring's nicht mehr vom Platz. 

EIN HANDWERKER 

Was schleppst du dich mit deinen Buechern ab? Was! ein 
ganzer Packen! (Nimmt eins der Buecher) Auch den Homer 
dabei! Den willst du wohl den Indianern vorlesen oder dem 
Wild im Wald? 

DER SCHULMEISTER 

Nein, aber meinen Kindern. Auch mir selbst, wenn ich ein- 
mal Muse habe. 

EIN BURSCHE 
(Zu einem mit Narben bedeckten jungen Manne mit Solda- 
tenmuetze) Na Hansjoerg, wo hast denn du diesmal gerauft, 
du siehst ja gut aus. 

DER JUNGE MENSCH 
Da fragt nur die Liesel. Das war anders als bei der Kirch- 
weih. Unser Recht wollten wir uns holen, nur blutige Koepfe 
haben wir uns geholt. Aber immer noch besser so als auf die 
Festung. 

DER BURSCHE 
Nur Mut Landsmann, Gott verlaesst keinen Deutschen. 

64 



EIN EINWANDERER 
Wir zogen hinab den Rhein, 
Die Andern lachten und sangen, 
Doch mir die Thraenen, die Thraenen mir, 
In meinen Augen sprangen. 

Die Andern tranken froh den Wein, 
Der eine der schlug die Zither. 
Mir war es, als spraengen die 'Saiten all', 
Und der Wein, er schmeckte mir bitter. 

EIN ANSIEDLER 

Hier auch rauschen die deutschen Eichen, 

Freudig wollen zum Bunde wir reichen 

Buerger den Buergern die Bruder hand 

Feder und Pflug, die Waffen des Friedens, 

Wollen wir fuehren ! Es ruhe das Schwert, 

Treu im Hoffen, im Leben und Sterben, 

Bleiben des deutschen Stammes wir wert. 

Hierher kamen aller Zonen bunte Kinder, 

Dass zu neuem Volk sie sich verbaenden 

Und ein bluehend Land ersteh geschwinder; 

Keines aber kam mit leeren Haenden. 

Lasst uns Deutsche darauf denken, 

In dem Wettstreit aller Erden 

Unser Land am reichsten zu beschenken, 

Und der Voelker edelstes zu werden. 

Und haetten wir sonst nichts zu bringen, 

Was hoch uns ueber alle stellt: 

Vom deutschen Herzen soil man singen, 

Im deutschen Herzen schlaegt das Herz der Welt. 

DAS TREUE DEUTSCHE HERZ. 

1. Ich kenn' ein'n hellen Edelstein von trefflich hoher Art, 
In einem stillen Kaemmerlein, da liegt er gut verwahrt- 

Da liegt er gut verwahrt. 
Kein Demant ist, der diesem gleicht. 
So weit der liebe Himmel reicht. 
So weit der liebe Himmel reicht. 
Die Menschenbrust ist's Kaemmerlein, 
Da legte Gott so tief hinein 
Den schoenen, hellen Edelstein, 

Das treue, das treue deutsche Herz. 

65 



2. Fuer Pflicht und Recht, fuer Wahrheit, Ehr' flammt heisz 

es allezeit! 
Voll Kraft und Mut schlaegt's hoch und hehr fuer Tugend, 
Froemmig-keit, 

Fuer Tugend, Froemmigkeit. 
Nicht schrecket es der Menschen Spott, 
Es traut allein dem lieben Gott, 
Es traut allein dem lieben Gott. 
Der ganze Himmel, klar und rein, 
Er spiegelt sich mit lichtem Schein 
Im schoenen, hellen Edelstein, 

Im treuen, im treuen deutschen Herz. 

3. Wohl weisz ich noch ein gutes Wort, fuer das es heisz 

entbrannt : 
Das ist sein hoechster, heil'ger Hort, das teure Vaterland, 

Das teure Vaterland! 
Treu haengt's an ihm, verraet es nicht, 
Selbst wenn's in Todesschmerzen bricht, 
Selbst wenn's in Todesschmerzen bricht. 
Kein schoen'rer Tod auch kann es sein, 
Als froh dem Vaterland zu weihn 
Den schoenen, hellen Edelstein, 

Das treue, das treue deutsche Herz. 

4. Nimm, Gott, mir alles, was ich hab', ich geb' es f reudig hin ; 
Nur lasz mir deine schoenste Gab', den treuen deutschen 

Sinn! 

Dann bin ich hochbeglueckt und reich, 
Kein Fuerst auf Erden kommt mir gleich! 
Und soil mein Leib begraben sein, 
Dann setz' in deinen Himmel ein 
Den schoenen, hellen Edelstein, 
Mein treues, deutsches Herz. 

THE STUDENT 
It is well, my dear Dr. Huebschmann, that some of us learned 
to speak English. And we can never thank you enough for 
your warning about the difficulties of travel in America. 

DR. HUEBSCHMANN 

I know, my friend. It is shameful. They lie in wait for such 
as you, from the docks at New York all the way to this very 
spot. You are strangers and they find it easy to fleece you. 

66 



THE STUDENT 
Not so easy, my dear Doctor, since we knew what to expect. 
And everywhere the people seemed to know we were bound 
for Wisconsin. It was the one word we heard everywhere — 
advice to come here — offers to guide us here — always Wiscon- 
sin. In New York a man offered to drive us here — to Wis- 
consin — in a cab. Why is this? Is there no other state where 
we might find homes and a welcome? 

DR. HUEBSCHMANN 
Homes and a welcome — yes. Citizenship in one year — no. 
You have endured a bitter struggle for liberty, and out of the 
storm of it you have come here for refuge. But you, who 
have fought for citizenship, can not sit passively and wait for 
it. So you come to Wisconsin, where the laws are hospitable. 

THE STUDENT 
This is a kindly State, Doctor. We shall not prove unworthy 
of its hospitality — we Germans. 

[The lights have gradually gone down during the 
scene. Sounds of an approaching procession are 
heard. 
Ah, the glory of this free country! The generosity and wis- 
dom and justice of it ! 

DR. HUEBSCHMANN 
Wait and see, my son. You get here your first glimpse of 
American politics. It is not all generosity, and justice and 
wisdom. Wait and see. 

[A torch-light procession enters, bearing banners 
and transparencies in favor of Cass for Presi- 
dent, and against Zachary Taylor. Mr. Byron 
Kilbourn, Mayor of Milwaukee, presides over the 
meeting. 

MR. KILBOURN 
Fellow-citizens, we are met here on a most auspicious occa- 
sion. We have to celebrate the admission of our State into 
the Union, the thirtieth star to be set upon the field of blue. 
The Constitution of Wisconsin, twice submitted to the suf- 
frages of the people, has at last been ratified, and we now 
enter into our lawful position as citizens of the Republic. And 
now we have before us, for our choice and election, two can- 
didates for the high office of President of the Republic. Two 

67 



men whom we of Wisconsin know well, and between whom 
we are to decide according to the great principles of the par- 
ties for which these two men stand. Fellow citizens, it is 
well that the merits of these men, and the issues now before 
the Nation, should be made clear to you. Therefore, I pre- 
sent to you, as the speaker of the evening, the Honorable 
William A. Barstow. 

[Shouts and cheers for Barstow. Also groans and 
hisses from unfriendly partisans. 

BARSTOW 

Fellow citizens, I do not rise to speak to-night with any mal- 
ice toward my political opponents. I recognize the right of 
honest men to differ in political opinions. I see readily enough 
how an honest man can be a Whig. But it is not so easy to 
see how a man can be intelligent, and at the same time — a 
Whig. 

[Cheers and laughter from the crowd. 

I for one would be the last to speak a word against the high 
reputation of General Zachary Taylor. I remember him, as 
the Colonel of a Federal regiment in Wisconsin. He was a 
brave and an able officer. My only complaint against him was 
his habit of thinking he was a Whig. 

General Taylor was called to the battlefields of Mexico; he 
helped to carry the stars and stripes to the halls of Monte- 
zuma — as the Whigs are forever reminding us. He came back 
in the blaze of a great military reputation. Then someone re- 
membered he had called himself a Whig, and instantly the 
whole corrupt and shameless phalanx of designing dema- 
gogues in the Whig party pounced upon his military glory, 
and he found himself entrapped into the task of leading the 
Whigs to defeat. It is a pitiable spectacle, this descent of a 
good soldier into the slime and decay of the Whig party. 
But it is of another man, a far greater man, that I speak to- 
night. For where General Taylor is a soldier merely, our 
candidate, fellow citizens, is a soldier and a statesman ; a giant 
in battle, a wise man in council, a master of the science of gov- 
ernment, recognized throughout the civilized world. Fellow 
citizens, to fire your hearts with the loftiest emotions of honor 
and patriotism; to make this grove ring with the kindling 
thunder of your affectionate applause ; to lift our glorious flag 
as with a gust of rapture to the very stars, I have but to speak 
the name of the most illustrious Democrat — the name of Lewis 
Cass. 

68 



[Loud and continued cheering. As the cheers sub- 
side, the Student turns to Dr. Huebschmann. 

THE STUDENT 
It is very strange, Doctor. I have not yet heard of this great 
man — this Lewis Cass. 

DR. HUEBSCHMANN 
He is a great man, my friend, for all that. 

THE STUDENT 
And these Whigs — are they so bad as he says? 

BARSTOW 

It was Lewis Cass who saved Wisconsin from the savages 
twenty years ago; and it was our misfortune that he was not 
a resident of Wisconsin last year, that he might have saved 
it from the foreign hordes who are now devouring our God- 
given heritage. 

[Shouts of "No, No!" from the crowd. 
Fellow citizens, I am not to be put down for all your shout- 
ing. I see here in this meeting the man who is mainly respon- 
sible for our infamous naturalization law, the law which gives 
to an ignorant alien the rights of citizenship in one year. I 
am an American, my friends, and I believe in America for 
Americans 

[Cheers, groans and shouts of "Know Nothing!" 
I ask you, fellow citizens, why we should give our State over 
into the hands of men who can not speak our language, men 
who have been implicated, for the most part, in rebellion and 
sedition in their own countries, and who bring the seeds of 
rebellion amongst us? I ask you what else they bring? 

[He pauses for a reply, and Dr. Huebschmann 
speaks quickly. 

DR. HUEBSCHMANN 
If you mean what you say, I can tell you. 

BARSTOW 
I ask you, what have these Germans to add to the glory of the 
American people? 

DR. HUEBSCHMANN 
I should like to answer that, Mr. Moderator. 
[Mr. Kilbourn raps for order. 

69 



BARSTOW 
I should like to know, fellow citizens, why I am continually 
interrupted by this Dutchman? 

[Shouts of approval and of defiance from the au- 
dience. 

MR. KILBOURN 
I must ask you to maintain order. Dr. Huebschmann. 

DR. HUEBSCHMANN 

In the ignorant alien countries, Mr. Moderator, where civiliza- 
tion prevails, the speaker would not be considered to maintain 
order while he insults members of his audience. 

MR. KILBOURN 
This is a country of free speech, sir. 

DR. HUEBSCHMANN 
It is because of that, sir, that I presume to answer the speak- 
er's question. Is this an open meeting, Mr. Moderator? 

MR. KILBOURN 
I so understand it. 

BARSTOW 

Mr. Moderator, I protest against this arrogant interruption- 



[ Cries of "Fair play," "Give the Dutchman a 
chance," "Let him hang himself!" etc. 

DR. HUEBSCHMANN 
Have I the floor, Mr. Moderator? 

MR. KILBOURN 
Dr. Huebschmann 

DR. HUEBSCHMANN 

I thank you, sir. You ask what we Germans bring you, and 
I rise to answer. It has been said that we bring the seeds of 
sedition. It is true that the men and women who come from 
the Fatherland this year, and who will come hereafter, are 
filled with a flaming hatred of oppression. It is true that they 
have fought against kings and tyrants, even as your grand- 
fathers fought in the revolution which freed your land. Where 
lies the difference? In Germany the tyrants are too strong, 
and those who love freedom are in flight. They have fought 

70 



as best they could, and have lost the struggle; but they have 
not lost their vision. You say that I have worked for this nat- 
uralization law — which you call infamous. You are right. I 
have fought for it, because through this law our State- — this 
State of Wisconsin, may draw to herself these men and wom- 
en who hold consciences higher than their fortunes. These 
people are not simply peasants, driven by the lash to secret 
and bloody revolt. They are scholars, poets, statesmen. They 
bring with them a desire for liberty which has been tested by 
the fires of battle. They bring the thrift and industry which 
have already built a nation under the very heels of injustice. 
They bring their binding sense of individual and civic duty, 
their respectful submission to just laws, their moral fervor 
and deep-hearted love for home and kindred. They bring 
the philosophies of the noblest universities in Europe, the 
science, the learning, the light. They bring the literature and 
the art of a cultured people — Goethe and Schiller, Mozart and 
Beethoven. They bring the splendor of their idealism, and 
they ask only that they be given justice and the right to serve 
the State. 

[There are cheers from the crowd, and the pro- 
cession forms again, marching off into the night. 



71 



SCENE EIGHT 



The episode on which the scene is founded took place in 
the spring of 1861. The speeches made by the different char- 
acters are the actual speeches made to the men of the First 
Regiment, though not all of them were actually delivered on 
the same occasion. 



Characters : 

Colonel Starkweather. 
Judge McArthur. 
Mrs. Walker. 
Governor Randall. 
General Rufus King. 
Men of the First Wisconsin. 
Visitors to the camp. 
The Governor's Staff. 



72 




SCENE EIGHT 

[Camp Scott, Milwaukee, spring of 1861. The 
tents of the First Wisconsin seen at the back of 
the stage. The lights come up gradually ; reveille 
sounds. The day's work in the camp begins. 
Parties of visitors arrive, friends and relatives of 
the soldiers. The scene is one of expectancy and 
animation. Snatches of song are heard. Then a 
sound of approaching crowds, and the whole 
camp is thrown into action as the words 
"Marching orders," begin to be heard. These 
words fly from one to another until their effect 
pervades the whole camp. A drum is heard off 
stage. Colonel Starkweather and a group of offi- 
cers come in. The friends and relatives crowd to 
the sides. An order is given, "Fall in." This is 
repeated at varying distances at the back. The 
troops form in two sides of a hollow square. Gov- 
ernor Randall comes in with General Rufus King, 
Mrs. Walker with Judge McArthur. Colonel 
Starkweather addresses the regiment. 

COLONEL STARKWEATHER 

The orders for which you have waited so impatiently have 
come. The regiment starts for the front to-day. 

[Cheers from the soldiers. 
And now, in the name of General Rufus King, I have the honor 
of presenting to the regiment a piece of the flagstaff of Fort 
Sumpter, cut by General King from the staff, by consent of 
Major Anderson, and engrafted into the flagstaff of this regi- 
ment. And I call upon every officer and man to see that such 

73 



staff and such colors are carried forward to the foremost point 
of the fight ; and that in no event shall such colors or staff be 
disgraced. 

JUDGE McARTHUR 

Men of the First Wisconsin, you carry into battle the firm 
conviction of the justice of your cause, and the high and un- 
shaken love of your country. You carry also the memories of 
the mothers who bore you, and the loving prayers of the wom- 
en of this city and of the State of Wisconsin. I have the honor 
to introduce to you one who brings you a message from the 
faithful women whom you are about to leave at home, Mrs. 
George H. Walker. 

[Cheers. 

MRS. WALKER 

In confiding this banner to be upheld by your strong arms and 
dauntless hearts, we feel that you will never permit a hostile 
or a traitor's flag to assume the place of the glorious and un- 
sullied Stars and Stripes, which have been, by the blessing of 
God, and ever shall be, the symbol of our national glory. The 
ladies who have prepared this beautiful standard have adorned 
its azure field with a star for every state in the Union, making 
thirty-four in all. We have made no distinction, selecting 
some and excluding others, but have embraced our whole coun- 
try with all its luminaries shining, for we can recognize no se- 
cession from the glorious sisterhood of the States. 

[Amid the cheers of the soldiers, Mrs. Walker de- 
livers the standard. Colonel Starkweather plac- 
ing himself at the head of the troops, facing Gov- 
ernor Randall. 

GOVERNOR RANDALL 

The time has come when our troops are called upon for active 
duty. The Government calls you to its aid. We all feel the 
sadness of the hour and the errand, but the times require that 
we should meet it manfully. There are among you many who 
are my friends, and I know the courage that is in you. You 
go to represent the loyalty of your State. You go to declare 
that Wisconsin is true to the Union. The State of Wisconsin 
asks you to do your duty, and asks it with full confidence in 
you, that you will be her faithful and true representatives in 
declaring her loyalty and fidelity to the laws. I bid you fare- 
well. 

74 



[The colors are dipped in salutation to the Gov- 
ernor. A great cheer goes up, and the regiment 
marches off to "The Star Spangled Banner." 
The group left behind, the Governor and his staff, 
the ladies with Mrs. Walker, and the various civ- 
ilian characters, remaining on the stage, wave 
handkerchiefs and sing lustily at first. Then, as 
the music grows more distant, and the lights be- 
gin to dim, their action changes to grief. Slowly 
they pass off, in the opposite direction from that 
taken by the troops. 

WHITE CLOUD 

Manitou, these are idle things. I see 

Through all this flame and fight, the winter fall. 

We come from barren councils home to beg 

For food. And while we stand aside and sulk, 

Desiring war but never daring it. 

The pale-face beaver peoples build their dams, 

The furrows creep across the hunting grounds, 

And foolish treaties bind us to our woe. 

Their beaver work stands firm against the frost. 

While eagles flee before the winter stars; 

We watch the leafage of our state drift down 

While here they build another, fashioned strong 

In laws we may not learn, and mysteries 

They offer us too late. For us the trail 

Leads on to night. Great Manitou, my prayer 

Is granted, and my darkened eyes behold 

The ruin of our nations. Oak, I make 

My sacrifice to thee, and so depart 

Wise in thy bitter dream, uncomforted. 

[After the Prophet's last speech there is a slight 
pause, and the Pioneer's Chorus is heard. To this 
the various characters of the pageant march past, 
in reversed chronological order, Marquette and 
the Great Sachem coming last, and followed by 
the Prophet, alone. 

PIONEER'S CHORUS 

Not ours the roads the Romans laid. 
Not ours the old-world, trodden way. 

Nor any path beneath the shade 

Of ancient law or sceptered sway; 

75 



No cypresses in ordered lines, 

No towers upon the beetling crest, — 

Our trails are linked across with vines, 
We find new ways, and may not rest 

Until we know the hidden streams 

That stray from out the guarded West. 

We search the lakes out, shore by shore. 

Till all the waters shall be known 
As our familiar trading lore. 

By star and sun and landmark stone ; 
The rivers we must break to bear 

The argosies of coming peace, 
And virgin lands must learn to wear 

The mantle of the golden fleece; 
We may not pause for death or fear 

Nor turn until our need shall cease. 



76 



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